Junior Girls World Softball Championships : Granger Strikes Out 21 as U.S. Beats Australia

Michele Granger of Valencia High School struck out 21 and allowed one hit in the United States’ 1-0 victory over Australia Tuesday in the Junior Girls World Softball Championship.

Granger allowed two baserunners, one on a third strike that got away from the catcher. Australia’s only hit was in the seventh inning.

The United States (4-1) scored in the ninth. Carey Hess tripled under the glove of left fielder Hayley Petrie. Yvette Hernandez singled to drive in the winning run.

The U.S. defeated Italy, 8-0, earlier Tuesday. Suzie Bradach pitched a two-hit shutout, striking out 12 and walking one. Italy is 1-6.

In other games Tuesday, Xie Ying Mei of China pitched a no-hitter with nine strikeouts and no walks in a 7-0 victory over Holland.

China (5-0) is the only undefeated team in the round-robin segment of the tournament.